Month: October 2024

A Pink Ball at Nailcote Hall Hotel Golf & Country Club has raised £8k for state-of-the-art cancer treatment at local hospitals.

It marks the 22^nd year of the popular event, organised by the hotel’s co-owner and two-times cancer survivor Sue Cressman, from Dorridge. The 65-year-old, who underwent a mastectomy ten years ago, has been continuing to give back by fundraising for life-saving medical equipment for local hospitals.

Sue said: “I’m proud that The Pink Ball at the Hall is providing local NHS hospitals with equipment for their Breast Cancer Units. Knowing that this event can make such a difference to the lives of Breast Cancer Patients inspires me to carry on each year and with the help of sponsors and guests make this event bigger and better.”

At just 32 years old, Sue found a lump in her breast but, following an examination, she was reassured and sent home without any further tests. Just months later she collapsed in pain while at a public speaking event in America.

Sue’s treatment included ten months in a hospice while undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Some 21 years after believing she’d beaten the disease, Sue later learned her cancer had returned and, in 2013, she was forced to make the agonising decision to have her breast removed. It also resulted in 16 corrective surgeries due to complications due to her earlier radiotherapy.

Between helping Rick run their 17^th-century Nailcote Hall country house and hotel in Coventry, the former Midlands Businesswoman of the Year, dedicates as much of her time as possible to fundraising.

To date, she is estimated to have donated more than £500k worth equipment to hospitals in and around the West Midlands.

The ball was attended by 225 guests, including television actor Christopher Walker, who is best known for his roles in BBC’s Doctors and drama Merseybeat; and musician Andy Kyriacou, the original drummer in 80s band Modern Romance. He became lead singer when he reformed the band in 1999.

Proceeds from ticket sales, auction and raffle on the night, will help fund a multipurpose bed with accessories to ensure it is suitable for all breast cancer patients at Solihull Hospital; and specialist headlamps for surgical procedures and a computer programme which allows a patient to see what their breast reconstruction will look like before they undergo surgery, at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.

Specially invited guests at the event, which was sponsored by 6th Gear Experiences, also included Mr Hamed Khan, consultant at UHCW and Mrs Sree Rejan, surgeon at Solihull.

Live entertainment from a host of West End stars, kept the party going, culminating in a performance by The Jersey Rollers, featuring Michael Watson.

Sue Cressman is also the guest on a special episode of Bia’s Kitchen Show, hosted by Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, from September 20^th, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. See the episode HERE.

Crowds gathered at a sporting event in Leamington Spa, organised to celebrate the first anniversary of Cleary’s community boxing gym’s new £100k home.

The event, on September 28^th, saw fighters of all ages compete in 12 bouts at Whitnash Civic Centre. The show opened with 10-year-old Tobie Turpin, great great grandson of the legendary Jakie Turpin and included two of the Midlands Development Championship semi-finals.

Also in attendance were Cleary’s own Commonwealth 2022 Heavyweight Gold Medallist boxer Lewis Williams, Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe and Chair of Warwick District Council, Sidney Syson.

The non-profit community gym was opened in 2007 by Edwin Cleary, who trained with Jack Turpin – younger brother of local boxing legend Randolph Turpin – before himself turning professional.

He said: “What an unbelievable show on Saturday night, it really was from the top to the bottom a crowd pleaser.

“Our set up would rival some of the televised shows, the organising and running went like clockwork. The officials delivered a fair result. The support from our sponsors to allow us to stage such a show is greatly appreciated and the quality of the boxing was first class. I really feel at the end of our first year in the new gym, like it was a coming out show.

“I feel like this is now our home: the gym, the Civic Centre and Whitnash. Hearing the kids in the dressing room calling this ‘our home’ and knowing quite a few were locals from Whitnash made me smile.”

He added: “Cleary’s has had a history of producing some talented boxers. I can honestly say we watched the birth of an exceptionally talented group of young boxers.

“This was one the best nights of boxing we’ve ever produced and possibly the best. This was a very young group of boxers. This is our future and I can’t wait to watch it grow. Its so exciting.”

The gym has welcomed up to 300 members since moving into its new £100k premises in Acre Close last September following a crowdfunding campaign. Facilities include three boxing rings (one championship size), a media suite, small conference room, homework space, lounge area, and showers and changing facilities.

In its first year, Cleary’s has also started hosting professional boxing titles as well as opening up its facilities to post-16s education.

The latest England Boxing-officiated event also offered people the opportunity to get a massage, watch physio demos and pick up some merchandise. It was supported by sponsors, Warwickshire Gin Company, who provided Lockhart’s Bar; Semper Security, in Coventry, who kept the crowds safe and under control; The Loneliest Sports’ Marc Williams – who also acted as Master of Ceremonies – and Yess Electrical Coventry; Modufab PUC Oldbury; PLT Training Wolverhampton and Chalmers News PR, who all sponsored bouts.

Philip Seccombe said: “It was a great pleasure to attend Cleary’s Boxing Event and a joy to see one of the youth diversionary organisations that I’ve supported in action. I had the opportunity to meet with Lewis Williams, who is a Commonwealth boxer, and a great role model to young people in Warwickshire.”

“Engaging with young people as a way to try to prevent crime is really important. Providing them with a safe space, as well as guidance, support, and opportunities, can increase their confidence, skills and mental wellbeing. In doing this, it can help steer them away from negative influences and criminal activity – making a positive future for all.”

Sidney Syson said: “I admire all that Ed, Kurt and the team do for the youth of Leamington, so to support them I attended my first ever boxing match on Saturday. Boxing is not my scene, but to my surprise I had a fascinating and enjoyable evening.”

MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western was unable to attend but sent a message of congratulations. He said: “I was lucky to visit Cleary’s new premises earlier this year and they have created an incredible site which I know is so valued by the local community.

“They have gone from strength to strength and I, along with so many others locally, have been proud to watch the achievements of the club and their athletes.

“We have a long history of boxing success here in Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash, starting with the Turpin brothers and it is fantastic to see this legacy live on. I look forward to seeing this continue for many more years. My congratulations to all at Cleary’s on this anniversary.”

Find out more about Cleary’s Boxing Gym here.

Cleary’s Boxing Gym

In his teens, Edwin was introduced to boxing by legendary Leamington boxer Jackie Turpin – the youngest brother of Randolph and Dick.

In 2007 following a short pro career in the 1990’s, Edwin Cleary, founder, wanted to follow in his mentor’s footsteps. Brendan Ingle MBE former boxer, trainer and friend had given Edwin the drive and foundations. Cleary’s Boxing was born, operating out of a small upstairs facility in the backstreets of Leamington Spa and producing Champions within its first year.

Preserving Brendan’s teaching is a legacy for generations. Continuing the Turpins’ influence and fighting lineage in Warwick and Leamington is very important, by passing down Jackie’s teachings, as well as educating young fighters in our towns about their important but underappreciated predecessors, Cleary’s Boxing doesn’t just provide sporting value, but emotional and historical value as well.

A brand new event spotlighting the inspirational stories of 11 women has raised £2,300 for three Warwickshire charities.

Ninety people joined Leamington Spa Soroptimists’ sold-out inaugural Raise Up Conference on Sunday (Sept 29^th), to hear from leading lights in the worlds of business and charity in south Warwickshire.

Their deeply personal tales touched on a host of topics, from physical and mental health challenges, through to bullying, addiction, grooming, misogyny and physical abuse.

All proceeds from the day supported Warwickshire-based charities The OurJay Foundation, Esther Project and New Futures Nepal.

The event is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than 113 countries.

Of the conference, she said: “Since our inception just 15 months ago, we’ve been dedicated to making a difference, not just through our fundraising efforts for women-focused charities like The Esther Project WOW and Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC), but also by actively engaging in our community. Hosting this conference was a natural step in our journey.

“Despite the tight time frames, we pushed forward with a vision to create something special. On Sunday, that vision became a reality as 11 inspiring women took to the stage to ‘Raise Up’ their voices, delivering powerful messages to over 90 attendees. The energy in the room was incredible, and we were thrilled to see 36 places sponsored by other women for women.

“This conference aimed to provide attendees with inspiration, hope and practical insights through the personal experiences of our speakers. It shone a light on how we can triumph over adversity; our speakers’ stories raising up our own lives with insights, hope, wit and wisdom.

Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day were:

Julie White, from Coventry – MD of D-Drill & Sawing with branches across the UK; Dayle Adams, from Leamington – a Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist, and Psychic Medium with a passion for end-of-life planning and spiritual growth; Tessa Morton, from Leamington – who runs the Tessa Morton Partnership as well as being a qualified cognitive behaviour therapist and passionate advocate for the autistic community; Tamar Groeneveld, from Leamington – a Wellness Expert, Personal Trainer, and Mind Coach of over 20 years; Hannah Simnett, from Sutton Coldfield – the Founder and CEO of Cherished, a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to empowering and supporting young girls in her community who feel marginalised or bullied; Lianne Kirkman, from Leamington – CEO of The Esther Project, a new initiative providing gender-specific supported accommodation for women affected by trauma and abuse; Sally Bee, from Stratford – who, despite living with a potentially fatal heart condition, channels her experiences into positivity, sharing life tools through her bestselling books, TV shows and online club; Dr Mandy Barnett, from Leamington – who has worked for over 30 years in the NHS and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School; Nicola Enoch, from Leamington – who established charity The Ups of Downs and support network Positive about Down syndrome.

Other guest speakers on the day included Zelda Wilson, from Hampton Magna and Saorise Welland, from Leamington. Zelda recently returned from her latest adventure – a 500km cycling trip on a fold-up bike over the Alps – despite still battling Grade 4 terminal cancer!

Saorise found sobriety three years ago at the age of 26 and is now in the process of writing a book exploring her turbulent past with alcohol, drugs and an eating disorder.

Part of the proceeds from the day have funded a defibrillator for The OurJay Foundation, established by Naomi Rees-Issitt following her son Jamie’s death aged just 18. Naomi, from Rugby, has dedicated the last four years of her life to the charity, installing nearly 300 defibrillators across Warwickshire and Coventry. She has achieved huge national awareness with her campaigning and it’s her ambition to have defibrillators installed on every street corner in the country.

Naomi said: “We’d just like to say a huge thank you to Catherine Williamson and everyone who took park in Sunday’s Raise up Conference. We hope we can get a location sorted very soon for this accessible defibrillator to be installed. It’s truly amazing how everyone came together to raise the funds for the defibrillator and we look forward to getting it installed and emergency ready for another community.”

Some of the money will also fund a disabled wheelchair for The Nirmala Foundation, which provides essential equipment for aspiring young athletes in Nepal, including the Young Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team.

The conference, held at The Fold in Leamington, proved so popular, Catherine is hoping to repeat it next year.

She added: “A special thank you to the companies and individuals who made this event possible: Tekton Billing, PLMR Advent, Act for Autism, The Cycling GK, Flick Learning Ltd, Aesthetics Event Staff Ltd, D-Drill (Master Drillers) Limited, and Gareth Evans and his team at The Fold for their incredible support.”

For more information about Leamington Soroptimists visit HERE.

Soroptimists International

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement with a network of just under 65,000 club members in 118 countries.

Advocating for human rights and gender equality, at the heart of Soroptimist International’s advocacy is its work across seven UN Centres, where UN representatives ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard. The membership work on grassroots projects that help women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in communities worldwide.

The principles of Soroptimism are to strive for: The advancement of the status of women; High ethical standards; Human rights for all; Equality and development and; the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.